By Samuel J. Armijos, AIA The percentage of the overall cost of a fabric structure can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the design, the material chosen, the location and access of the site, the cost of labor and equipment, and the amount of material needed to be shipped. Fabric structures are normally priced [...]

By Samuel J. Armijos, AIA The best way to understand the cost of a fabric structure is to request a schedule of values (SOV) or a breakdown of the major costs. Design (5-15%) Design development to construction document. Percentage varies depending on design/build vs. plans and specification approach. Engineering (5-15%) Awning to dome stadium. All [...]

Inflatable buildings have their own unique advantages, especially portability and easy set-up. By Bruce Wright, AIA Inflatable buildings can have some special requirements-such as air pumps to fill the structural fabric tubes-unlike any other type of structure, but they also have advantages for relocatable buildings or rapid set-up for disaster relief structures. David Kelsall, technical [...]